Tigers, Tamaraws just a win away from Final Four spots

UST’s Ed Daquioag (left) is a big reason why the Growling Tigers are one win away from securing a semifinals seat in the UAAP Season 78 men’s basketball tournament. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Two UAAP leaders get a shot to secure Final Four berths this early even with the end of the men’s basketball eliminations still a month away.

Both University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University, tied on top with 8-1 records, only need one more win to secure semifinal slots after keeping a wide distance from the rest of the field.

“We both really started strong in the tournament, that’s why we have that space,” said FEU coach Nash Racela.

A huge three-game cushion has kept the Tigers and the Tamaraws comfortably ahead of closest contenders La Salle and Ateneo, which share the third spot at 5-4.

But even if the Tigers and the Tamaraws are just a win shy of the next round, both target the loftier goal of nailing the twice-to-beat semifinal incentive.

Only the top two teams at the end of the elimination round earn the Final Four bonus.

Given the current standings, the Tigers and the Tamaraws need to reach 11—or three more wins—to gain the semifinal advantage.

“We really want to be at [numbers] 1 or 2,” said UST coach Bong dela Cruz. “But the tournament has a long way to go, so we’ll just try to improve every game.”

Led by Kevin Ferrer and Ed Daquioag, the Tigers get a chance to nail the first Final Four slot versus Ateneo tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Tamaraws, bannered by Mac Belo and Mike Tolomia, go for it versus University of the East at 4 p.m. on Saturday, also at Araneta.